Next version of Windows: Call it 7 — Microsoft is planning to ship its next major version of Windows—known internally as version "7"—within roughly three years, CNET News.com has learned. — The company discussed Windows 7 on Thursday at a conference for its field sales force in Orlando …

Microsoft confirms 'Windows 7' due in 3 years — At an internal meeting for its sales force this week, Microsoft confirmed the code name and approximate timing for Windows Vista's successor. The details, such as they are, aren't a huge surprise, but given the dearth of information …

Google Pushes for Rules to Aid Wireless Plans — If Google succeeds with federal regulators, it could change the way millions of Americans use their cellphones and how they connect to the Internet on their wireless devices. — In the Internet giant's view of the future …

Could Google kill the cell phone industry? — In case you haven't been paying attention, the old 700MHz wireless spectrum is up for auction by the federal government. And under the veil of touting an "open" platform, Google CEO Eric Schmidt announced that the company will participate …

Imaging America — I'm pleased to announce that we have acquired ImageAmerica, a company that builds high resolution cameras for the collection of aerial imagery. — Google Maps and Earth users are no strangers to ImageAmerica's work — the company provided high resolution black …

More features. One interface. — Last month, we added the first batch of feature enhancements to the new Google Analytics. Today, we're excited to announce that we're adding a few more of your most requested features. The following improvements are available in your account now:

Should Newspapers Become Local Blog Networks? — Chicago Tribune just relaunched its website with, of course, more blogs — A LOT more blogs — news, entertainment, sports, living, business travel, with multiple blogs in each category. It struck me that this is more than a "me too" step …

One Pornographic Image Per Nigerian Child — While I've discounted the OLPC child pornography fears of others and we've explored adult OLPC XO uses, I haven't spoken about the potent mix of Internet access and the natural curiosity of children, especially those reaching puberty, to go looking for images others may not want them to see.

Blogging your way to the unemployment line — John Mackey, CEO of grocer Whole Foods, has found out the hard way that it's easy to get into trouble over online postings. For the last few years, Mackey has participated in Yahoo stock forums and other places under the name "Rahodeb" …

Is Facebook Worth the Hype? — This was Facebook Week here at Read/WriteWeb, but I couldn't help but notice how many other blogs wrote posts about Facebook this week as well. It seemed that almost every day there was a Facebook meme on Techmeme. Anecdotal evidence would seem to suggest …

Web video sites mined by talent scouts — LOS ANGELES - Voice-over work in Indiana wasn't too lucrative, so Daniel Geduld made a classic actor's move: He headed for L.A. And like most Hollywood dreamers, Geduld didn't get hired for much. — So Geduld combined his creative talents with his abundance of free time.

MySpace, Virgin Comics Partner — Virgin Comics and MySpace have partnered to launch Coalition Comix, an online comic book platform that will allow users to work with comic book creators in developing and creating characters and stories. — Coalition Comix will commission …

Newsmaker: DCT, MPack developer — In June 2006, three Russian programmers started testing a collection of PHP scripts and exploit code to automate the compromise of computers that visit malicious Web sites. — A year later, the MPack kit has become an increasingly popular tool …